Take a look at the health and wellness programs of tennis stars ranging from Roger Federer to Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, or Serena Williams and you will probably find that they embrace a myriad of complementary therapies in addition to training hard for every match. Williams, for instance, has openly spoken of the important roles that acupuncture, meditation, and yoga have had in her life. Venus Williams, meanwhile, has great respect for holistic wellness therapies. She recently told the press that she was into frequency therapy and light therapy, and she also surrounds herself with physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, and sports psychologists. Read on to discover just a few therapies that can take your game to the next level.
Yoga for Stress Relief
A rigorous tennis training regimen and high expectations can lead to stress, which can impact performance negatively. Yoga enhances body awareness, while also reducing levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Various studies indicate that yoga can play an essential role in an athlete’s routine. One 2020 study found that yoga strengthened the muscles and joints, thus mitigating the effects of injury. Another 2020 study showed that athletes who have anxiety and depression have a more-than-double injury rate. Keeping stress at bay through natural means thus as yoga is therefore key.
Sports Massage and Massage Guns
Regular massage is considered a must for serious tennis players for many reasons. It reduces muscle fatigue (and therefore helps shorten recovery time), promotes deep relaxation after a tough workout, and aids in the healing of soft tissues in cases of knee injuries, tendonitis, and pulled muscles. Massage can also relieve pain and improve mobility. Sports massage therapists are a good place to start when it comes to suggesting a massage program to follow. The latter can include sports massage, Swedish massage, and/or deep tissue massage. Many physiotherapists additionally recommend massage gun therapy, which athletes can perform themselves at home. If you are after a massage gun that can up your game, exploring different brands of massage gun will help you find one with the right specifications. It is important that any gun you use has optimal performance, ergonomics, weight, battery life, and attachments.
If you are after a powerful massage gun that can up your game, exploring different brands of massage gun will help you find one with the right specifications.
Chiropractic for Injury Prevention
A sports chiropractor can aid athletes by determining and treating injuries early, and by working alongside coaches and other sports specialists to identify and correct any deficits they find. By restoring any faults in spinal and extremity joints, chiropractors can reduce pain, decrease the severity of injuries, and possibly help improve performance. The spine holds and protects the nervous system (which comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves). By enabling the full use of the nervous system, a chiropractor can potentially enhance your performance on the court.
Top athletes rely on a wide range of therapies ranging from chiropractic to acupuncture. Massage is also a revered therapy in the tennis world, with athletes like Federer and Nadal opting for massage therapy after training sessions and matches. Yoga and meditation are also key when it comes to relieving stress, enhancing mood, and honing one’s breathing technique.
